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My beach commission is done and on it’s way to a very happy new owner in Santa Fe, New Mexico! This is Lanikai Beach in Hawaii, where I grew up, and this place holds many fine memories through college and beyond. I posted earlier about finding the perfect color but there’s even more to that story.
The palette in this scene is so vibrant in real life that I turned to a special paint from Enkaustikos in order to capture it. Their interference pigments were new to me, but they were exactly what I needed to get the sand and water just right. Because they are transparent these pigments are influenced by the color of the surface below. Colors mixed with interference medium will change (“flip”) when viewed from different angles. Over a white or light background like the sand, the color is subtle and the “flip” more obvious. Over a black or darker background like the water, the color is more obvious and the “flip” less noticeable.
Using these paints gave me the shimmer I wanted to really make these areas stand out. It’s really tough to photograph the results, so I hope you’ll get to experience it in person sometime.
I thoroughly enjoyed every step of creating this commission! This is one of those paintings I will think of often. I already miss it, so I may just have to make another one for myself.
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
WAX WEEK REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
My 5-day intensive encaustic workshops are open for registration. And OOOOH, wait until you see what I have for you this year!
Give yourself dedicated time to explore your creative photography, surrounded by other artists in a professional studio. I’ve reimagined my popular Photo Encaustic Wax Week workshop to include an emphasis on textured elements and hand coloring, plus I’ve also added more time for experimentation to find your own unique style.
I’m also very excited to offer my new Expressive Landscapes Wax Week class, where you’ll go beyond painting with encaustic and mixed media by incorporating travel sketching, stream of consciousness writing, and some exciting collaborative exercises with your fellow artists to create expressive landscapes that represent much more than an idealized postcard version of a place.
I hope you’ll join me in Portland this year! (Space is limited. Only 6 spots available in each class.)
CREATING ARTFUL SACRED SPACES
What do you do with the ticket stub to the show where you met your sweetheart? Or the heart shaped stone you picked up on your birthday hike? These items hold more history than the objects suggest, and are worthy of being honored. This class will introduce you to the idea of gathering personal objects and creating sacred spaces for them as a practice of self-discovery, storytelling, and meditation.
When we gather objects that have significant meaning to us into places of honor, their power to ground our intentions, to inspire us, and to encourage our gratitude, rises above the noise of the everyday. Join us to create an environment of music, poetry, sharing, and mindfulness experiences.
Learn more and register here: Creating Artful Sacred Spaces, a weekend workshop with Linda Robertson and Fred Swan on March 14 – 15, 2020. Portland, Oregon.
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
This month I had the pleasure of hosting two customized workshops in my private Portland, Oregon studio.
The first, a group from a retirement community, joined me for my beginning Encaustic Painting class. We talked about the mediums they work with now and how encaustic can be combined with so many of them including watercolor, oil, fiber and glass. They have a small studio at their facility and enjoyed the class so much that they asked me to consult on how to reconfigure their space so they can continue working with encaustic. I’m excited to help make that happen!
The second event was requested by an artist who attended my Encaustic & Collage class last month and was so excited that she gathered her friends to come back with her for more fun. They even brought their own wine and snacks and made a real party of it! My classes are small enough that people get to know one another quickly, but if they are already friends there is a special support that emerges immediately and that’s what happened here. It’s pretty magical.
Each group came with open hearts and ready to experiment, so we had a great time! Some who hadn’t created for years left ready to continue and explore new ways to express themselves. This is a BIG part of why I love what I do. If you’d like to plan a customized workshop for your group give me a shout and we’ll work it out.
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
Every year I hear from students who want to take my encaustic workshops but either live too far away to fly in for just one or two days or prefer a more immersive environment where they can learn many techniques in a short time. With this in mind. I offer 5-day intensive workshops that combine some of my most popular classes with some brand new techniques that will keep you creating new work for years to come.
I’ve just opened registration for my 2018 Wax Week classes:
Wax Week: Photo Encaustic
June 9 – 13, 2018. Sat – Wed (5 days!)
My private studio in Portland, Oregon
We’ll focus on combining encaustic with photography while focusing on hand coloring with pastels, pigment sticks and artist crayons, layering photos with encaustic collage, adding depth to your work, pouring wax over your photographs and finding your own unique look for these creative processes. All levels welcome. Learn more and register here
Wax Week: Mix it Up!
July 18 – 22, 2018. Wed – Sun (5 days!)
My private studio in Portland, Oregon
In this class we’ll focus on combining encaustic wax with different media like collage papers, pastels, stencils, watercolor, inks, foils, custom stamps and much more. All of my Wax Week workshops are easily accessible for someone with little or no experience in working with encaustic, but will also offer rich, personalized instruction for those who have more experience. All levels welcome. Learn more and register here
Single-day Classes
I’ve also opened registration for some of my 2018 single day classes. I only accept 4 – 6 students per class so we’ll have plenty of time to work together, and all supplies are included for most classes. Look for classes in Collage, Mixing Media, Wax Scrolls, Shellac and even Cold Wax & Oil (pictured at right).
Looking for a community to create with on a regular basis? Check out my open studio classes for more experienced artists.
View my web site for more options. I hope to see you soon!
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
Don’t forget to give yourself a little something while shopping for so many others this season. Choose any or all of the six classes listed above! Each purchase gives you a full year of access to the videos for that class with the ability to watch them as many times as you’d like. All videos in that class are available immediately, allowing you to work at your own pace. Enjoy! http://www.RobertsonWorkshops.com
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
I love capturing the translucency of light in my paintings, but it’s even easier when working with wax and paper. The most dramatic way I’ve found to show this off is with my wax scrolls.
There are just a few spots left in my last Colorful Wax Scrolls class of the year! Join me on Saturday, July 15, from 10 am – 4 pm in my private Portland, Oregon studio.
Join me to create panels of paper and wax that are thin enough for natural light to penetrate, filling your space with energy and movement. In using paper we’ll trade some durability for dynamism, but wait until you see the result! If you keep them indoors they will last for many years, but you can still decorate your garden with them on special occasions.
View class examples and register here for my class in Portland: http://lindarobertsonarts.com/books/workshops/scrolls.html
If you can’t come to my studio class, try the online version here:
http://www.RobertsonWorkshops.com
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
Wax Weekend workshop: Photo Encaustic
Luminous Landscapes
Every year I hear from more artists who are combining their travel plans with learning new art techniques. A couple of years ago I had people from 4 different countries in one of my classes, and since I only take 6 students at a time that’s pretty impressive!
This year in addition to my five-day Wax Week intensive workshops, I’m also offering a few two- and three-day Wax Weekend sessions that focus on a particular theme including Luminous Landscapes, Photo Encaustic and my brand-new Secret Messages class.
Wax Weekends (2-3 days)
5/19-5/21: Photo Encaustic
6/24-6/25: Luminous Landscapes
7/7-7/9: Secret Messages
Secret Messages
Wax Week (5 days)
8/2-8/6: Textured Landscapes
One of the most exciting things about working with encaustic are the unusual textures you can add to your paintings, so for this year’s Wax Week class I’m offering something new called Textured Landscapes. It’s a radical extension of my shorter Luminous Landscapes class. This 5-day intensive workshop combines some of my most popular classes with some brand new techniques that will keep you creating new work for years to come.
In this class we’ll focus on creating Textured Landscapes using encaustic with a wide variety of materials including textured gesso, watercolor, pigment sticks, and photo transfers. We’ll use whatever media we need to create your vision, and working in small groups in my studio makes that possible. I hope you’ll join me in Oregon soon!
Wax Week workshop: Textured Landscapes
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic book series. She offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
For the past several weeks I’ve been distracted by our political turmoil, spending much more time outside my studio making my voice heard. Democracy can be messy and exhausting and I definitely need a break. More specifically I need an ART break. Maybe you do too?
I’ve heard from many artists who say they are having trouble focusing or simply not feeling very creative right now. That’s understandable, and please know that you are not alone, but finding a way back into making art can help. You can see why this is one of my favorite quotes:
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
~ Pablo Picasso
A few days ago I realized there’s a quick way I can help — by making my classes more accessible. So I’ve reduced the prices on all of my online encaustic classes! Each purchase gives you a full year of immediate access to the class videos, with the ability to watch them as many times as you’d like and work at your own pace.
So go on, dig in. Now you can try something new for less while “washing away the dust.” And don’t forget to breathe.
>> View My Online Classes Here
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Linda Robertson is a painter and the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
I’ve taught encaustic workshops for many years
using pancake griddles as the hot palettes, so I’ve become pretty opinionated about the type I like. I have a wonderful R&F Paints heated palette which I love, but since most students won’t be able to get that right away I like to teach with what they’re likely to have at home.
My favorite griddle brands are Rival and Presto because they last for years and offer fairly even heat which is important when painting with wax. I was almost tempted this time by another brand offering a white ceramic surface which would be great for mixing colors, but the reviews were not terrific, specifically mentioning uneven heat. So off I went to get my new griddles. It was a pretty funny trip because you get some strange looks at the store when you buy pancake griddles in bulk!
I was disappointed not to find the type I love but then I realized I had stumbled upon something even better: a square griddle (easier to reach everything if you’re shorter like me or can’t stand while you paint) with a tiny drainage area (which keeps any wax you’re mixing on the palette from falling into the drain) and a warming tray attachment that can be removed and replaced with a wooden dowel to create a handy paintbrush holder.
I’ve just replaced all of my griddles with this style for my upcoming classes, so I’m excited to try them out!
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Linda Robertson is the author of the Embracing Encaustic Book series and she offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes.
Every year I hear from students who want to take my encaustic workshops but live too far away to fly in for just one or two days. With them in mind I offer my Wax Week class, a 5-day intensive workshop that combines some of my most popular classes with some brand new techniques that will keep you creating new work for years to come.
Happy Wax Week artists with some of what they created over our 5 days together
I’ll have two Wax Week sessions this year that will cover different techniques, so you can choose the workshop that best suits your style:
Wax Week: From the Ground Up (only 2 spots left!)
Mon – Fri, July 20-24, 2015
Subjects include creating beautiful backgrounds before you wax, working creatively and safely with shellac, mixing different media within one painting, secrets of creating depth, pouring wax for an ultra smooth finish, and taking your painting from start to finish. All levels are welcome.
Wax Week: Mixing Media*
Mon – Fri, Oct. 5 – 9, 2015
Subjects include mixing different media within one painting, creating transfers with photographs, drawings and rubbings, texture and embossing, secrets of creating depth and taking your painting from start to finish. All levels are welcome.
Thoughts Into Reality, Encaustic & Mixed Media, by Linda Robertson
Most supplies will be provided including wax, paint, brushes, paper, boards, and basic encaustic tools. Space is limited to 6 students and classes fill quickly. I hope to see you soon. More detailed information, photos and registration here!
* Those of you coming in October will get an extra bonus: The timing on this class is perfect to also attend Portland Open Studios on Oct. 10 – 11. You can choose from almost 100 art studios to visit including some of my favorite Portland painters who work in encaustic. Don’t miss this!
Encaustic Fix It Clinic
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Go on, admit it. How many times have you wondered what’s wrong with that painting? It may be a technical problem or a place where all of your colors turn to mud. Or maybe you just can’t put your finger on it and need another opinion. In this class each artist will share one of their problem paintings with the class and we’ll discuss options for fixing it, then you’ll have the rest of the class to do just that, with help readily available of course!
Here’s how it works: You choose 1 or 2 of your problem paintings and bring them to class. We’ll work as a group to help you discover how to improve you work or discuss how to solve any technical issues. With this collaborative approach we can all learn from each others challenges. No class will ever be the same because what we cover depends on who is attending and what questions arise.
This class is not intended to teach you new techniques, but rather to help you perfect those you have tried but are having trouble with. In addition to your questions, you’ll benefit from the help the other students need as well. I hope you’ll join me for a low pressure way to learn from your (and everyone else’s) mistakes!
Confirmation, directions to my studio and additional information will be emailed to each student upon registration. Space is limited to 4 students so classes fill quickly. View class photos and register here
Online encaustic classes at RobertsonWorkshops.com
Here’s wishing you all a happy, healthy and creative new year! To help you with the creative part use the promo code below to get $20 OFF any (or all) of my online encaustic classes.
Taking classes online gives you the benefit of watching the videos as many times as you need to in order to feel comfortable trying it yourself. I offer several different classes including Painting & Texture, Encaustic & Collage, Stencils, Wax Transfers, and Shellac. Each class page has a free bonus video as well as a video excerpt from the actual class, so I encourage you to view those videos even if you don’t take the class.
Just go to http://www.RobertsonWorkshops.com and click on the link of the class you want to take. At checkout enter “NewYear20” where it says “apply promo code” and enjoy! (Offer Expires 1/5/2015. Good for the “rent all” option to purchase a full class, not for individual lessons. This can’t be applied to previous registrations and cannot be redeemed for cash.) FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS WITH FRIENDS!
Online Encaustic & Shellac class at RobertsonWorkshops.com
Treat yourself to some fun before the end of the year in one of my live classes:
Surface Design with Stencils
Making Encaustic Medium & Paint
Tuesday, Oct. 21. All levels welcome.
Special Effects with Dry Pigments (New!)
Saturday, Oct. 25. Intermediate level class.
Introduction to Encaustic Painting & Texture
Saturday, Nov. 1 or Dec. 6. All levels welcome.
Surface Design with Stencils
Saturday, Nov. 8, Intermediate level class.
Encaustic Monotypes & Paper Lanterns (New!)
Saturday, Nov. 15. All levels welcome.
Capture Memories with Encaustic Collage
Saturday, Jan. 10, All levels welcome.
View class photos, descriptions and register at the link below. For most classes all supplies are included and no experience is necessary. These classes will be held in my private studio in Portland, Oregon.
>> View my complete class schedule here, including online classes for those of you not in Portland
So that’s it for another Wax Week! I only do these 5 day intensive classes once or twice a year and it’s always exciting for me to watch such an enthusiastic community of artists bound by wax. I usually have students from several states and this session was no different except that several of them could claim many states as their home since they happened to be in transition. No matter, everyone came with an open mind, an open heart and kind words for their fellow artists.
Dorothy, Sandy and Mary sharing a laugh
A bird theme seemed to appear pretty quickly! This is by Sandy.
Mary with her hummingbirds
Sandy’s hummingbirds
Dorothy’s owl
Leslie, Dorothy and Sandy adding texture to their work
Shannon’s texture tools getting a workout!
Textured landscape by Leslie
It’s safe to say that Shannon especially loved adding texture!
Sandy fusing with the heat gun
Lunch under the trees
Shannon is back to work on image transfers. What a change in mood!
Mary’s Garden
Sandy’s collage
A toast to end a wonderful week!
Thanks Sandy, Mary, Shannon, Dorothy and Leslie for an exciting week.
New techniques learned, exciting art created and new friendships formed. I love to see everyone swapping contact info before they leave. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
I’m planning my Wax Week dates for 2015 now! If you’re interested in joining us please sign up for my free newsletter to be notified when dates are finalized. I hope to see you in Portland soon!
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Linda Robertson offers live encaustic workshops in her Portland, Oregon studio as well as online encaustic classes at RobertsonWorkshops.com.
When Fred Swan and I had our show together People’s Art gallery a couple of years ago we looked at those big beautiful windows with the light streaming in and knew something special was going to happen there.
After some discussion about what would best fill that space we were intrigued by the idea of wax scrolls. We worked independently on them, then brought our creations together as an installation in that front window. Having so many panels of paper and wax with that delicate natural light penetrating them filled the space with energy and movement. It was beautiful! People were very excited about the feel and scent of these art works, as well as their visual appeal.
Since that show I’ve made (a lot!) more scrolls and I’ve come up with new ways to add color and patterns to the paper, cut outs to be removed and reattached and a new way to hang them. It’s such a relaxing and meditative process, but it also gives you the instant satisfaction of making a 5 foot long piece of art in a day! If you’d like to try this yourself come see me in my Portland, Oregon studio this Saturday, 9/27. There are just a few spots left in this class and it won’t be offered again until next summer. If you’re not in the area join my mailing list to be notified when my online class for this is ready! I’m making big plans for that right now…
Here’s Fred on the ladder installing one of the panels at our show
This is the view of our installation from inside the gallery.
Dorothy working on her scroll in one of my recent classes
Here’s a set of scrolls I made recently with several new techniques
Embracing Mixed Media 